Looking for things to do on your upcoming trip to Dubrovnik, Croatia? Look no further! Here’s a Dubrovnik Croatia Guide: the best things to do, see, and eat + where to stay!
Dubrovnik, Croatia Travel Guide
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Top Things To Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Explore the Magic of Old Town Dubrovnik
At the heart of the city and along the portside of Dubrovnik lies the historic Old Town. You’ll find loads of bars, seafood spots, and local Croatian restaurants around this area. Old Town has so much to do, but here are some of my favorite things you can find in this charming neighborhood:
- Stradun of Dubrovnik: this 300-meter long pedestrian street is the main street of all of Dubrovnik and is filled with shops and eateries.
- Dubrovnik Cathedral Treasury: when visiting the 12th century Dubrovnik Cathedral, don’t miss their “treasury”—a protected showcase of saintly objects including what’s said to be part of Jesus’ cross.
- City Gates: there are four impressive gates built into the City Walls, one facing each cardinal direction.
- Loggia Square: Old Town is the heart of Dubrovnik and Loggia Square is the heart of Old Town—so don’t miss grabbing a coffee here to do some people-watching.
- Large Onofrio’s Fountain: One of the most impressive fountains you’ll ever see! The Onofrio Fountain is massive and was built in the 1400s.
- Jesuit’s Staircase: These are like the Croatian version of the Spanish steps in Rome, a beautiful display of Baroque architecture that you can walk on.
Walk the Dubrovnik's City Walls
No Dubrovnik Croatia Guide would be complete without the City Walls! First constructed in the 13th century and completed in the 1600s, the Dubrovnik City Walls consist of a myriad of towers, fortresses, turrets, moats, and more.
You can either buy an entrance ticket when you arrive or enjoy a free trip to the walls with a Dubrovnik card.
Explore Fort Lovrijenac
First constructed all the way back in the 11th century, Fort Lovrijenac sits atop a 37-meter tall cliff overlooking the sea. The fortress was built into the rock face and has stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, creating one of the best photo opps in all of Dubrovnik.
And if you’ve got that handy Dubrovnik card, Fort Lovrijenac is considered part of the City Walls so you can enter for free!
Take a Stroll Through the Franciscan Monastery
This peaceful monastery is the perfect respite from the hustle and bustle you’ll find in the city of Dubrovnik.
When you’re in need of a little space and quiet, go for a stroll through the Franciscan Monastery and it’s lush gardens.
Not only is it one of the oldest churches in Dubrovnik, but it’s also home to an impressive library and pharmacy. The pharmacy is the third-oldest in the world and houses a museum of medicine, as well.
Enjoy Fun in the Sun at Dubrovnik Beaches
You’re right along the sea, which means you’re not too far from some pretty great beaches when you’re in Dubrovnik! Here are my top recommendations to enjoy some fun in the sun and surf:
- Banje Beach is just along the city walls of Dubrovnik and has umbrellas and chairs for rent. (pictured below)
- Sveti Jakov Beach is a nice secluded cove beach, complete with a bar and cafe.
- Bellevue Beach offers a small pebble beach backed by rocky bluffs.
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Take a Game of Thrones Tour
In the last few years, Game of Thrones tours have exploded across Dubrovnik. Whether you’re team Stark, Lannister, or Targaryen, you won’t believe all the behind-the-scenes info you’ll get on the filming locations from the TV show.
You’ll actually wind up visiting many of the places already on this list, including the Jesuit Stairs and the City Walls!
Here are some of the highest-rated GOT tours:
Ride the Dubrovnik Cable Car
Dubrovnik has a cable car that’ll soar you up above the city streets for an incredible view of the red rooftops and ancient fortresses dotted around Old Town. The cable car ride costs $23 USD and will take you to the top of Srd Hill, known as one of the best places for sweeping views of Dubrovnik below. It is a MUST-DO!
If you want to have dinner at The Panorama Restaurant & Bar, I definitely recommend making a reservation in advance!
Head to a Dubrovnik Museum (or Two)
Whether you’re an art lover or a family of five in need of a little entertainment, Dubrovnik has a museum or two that’ll serve you perfectly. Here are the most popular museums in the city of Dubrovnik:
Go for a Sunset Cruise
Because Dubrovnik is located along the Adriatic Sea, sunset cruises are a great way to soak in the beauty of the city and admire all its historical landmarks from a new perspective.
There are loads of sunset cruise tours available in Dubrovnik, and you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for you: choose from romantic champagne dinner cruises to family fun boat trips!
Best Rated Sunset Cruises:
Explore Nearby Islands
You probably don’t think of island-hopping when you think of Croatia, but Dubrovnik is actually a great hub to do just that! There are so many islands near Dubrovnik, and you really can’t go wrong going to any of them. That being said, here are a few of the most popular:
- Elaphiti Islands: the whole archipelago is fabulous, but the best is Lopud Island for its shallow sandy beach. Boat tickets cost 3 euros.
- Lokrum Island: home to Croatia’s very own mini Dead Sea! Lokrum’s “Dead Sea” is actually a small salt lake, but it feels just like floating in the real thing. Boat tickets cost 10 euros.
- Mljet Island: this island is great for an overnight trip—with its own national park and an island called St. Mary within the island of Mljet, this large island near Dubrovnik has so much for you to explore. Boat tickets cost 4 euros.
Wander Through the Trsteno Arboretum
As the oldest arboretum in the western hemisphere, Trsteno is the sort of outdoor wonderland you can get lost in for hours. Just a 15 minute drive from Dubrovnik, this is a great spot to bring a picnic and soak in the wide variety of flora and fauna originally brought back to Croatia by ship captains in the 15th century.
And definitely be sure to check out the Fountain of Neptune (pictured above), it’s beautiful!
Get Out On the Water
Why just lounge on the beach when you can get in on the action in the Adriatic Sea?! If you’re anything like me, after your sunset cruise you’ll be itching to get more up close and personal with the sparkling blue waters that surround Dubrovnik.
You can take jet ski safari tours, where you race around the islands near Dubrovnik on jet skis with your crew. If you’re looking for something more relaxing, try renting sea kayaks instead.
Highest-Rated Tours:
Enjoy the Views From Park Orsula
When it comes to sweeping vistas, I don’t know which takes the first prize: Srd Hill from the cable car ride or the stunning view from Park Orsula. This park overlooks all of Old Town, out across the City Walls, and as far as Lokrum Island on clear days.
Orsula also houses an outdoor amphitheater, so be sure to check if there are any live shows while you’re there!
Have a Drink On a Cliff Terrace
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Dubrovnik Croatia Guide: Best Places to Eat + Drink
Highest Rated Restaurants:
Here is a list of some of the highest-rated + best restaurants in Dubrovnik, Croatia:
- Nautika
- Restaurant Dubrovnik
- Restaurant Panorama (at top of cable car)
- Azur
- LAJK Restaurant Dubrovnik
- Lucin Kantun
- Stara Loza Rooftop Restaurant
- Gradska Kavana Arsenel Restaurant
- Restaurant 360
- Zuzori
- Dubravka 1836 Restaurant & Cafe
- Oyster & Sushi Bar Bota
- Pantarul
- Banje Beach Restaurant
- Levanat
- Taj Mahal hotel Lero
- Yacht Club Orsan
- Victoria Restaurant & Lounge Bar
- Restaurant Sesame
- Barba
- Fish restaurant Proto
- Poklisar Restaurant
- Nishta
- Preša
- Mea Culpa Pizzeria & Trattoria Dubrovnik
- Pizzeria Tabasco
Best Bars + Pubs:
Here is a list of the highest-rated bars, pubs, and clubs in Dubrovnik, Croatia:
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Where to Stay in Dubrovnik
Amazing Airbnb with View
This is the exact rental property we stayed in, it was amazing and the view was INSANE! Highly recommend:
I will say it was a little further away from Old Town, but the views were gorgeous! For more info on this property or to book, click here.
Best Durbovnik Airbnbs/Rentals:
There are so many awesome rentals in Dubrovnik with amazing views — check out a curated list here.
I hope this Dubrovnik Croatia Guide was helpful! Dubrovnik is such a magical city, you’re sure to have an incredible trip no matter what you get up to! Have a question? Feel free to send me a DM on Instagram!
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xx Chels
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